Staying active indoors
Getting active outdoors is as important as ever for our physical and mental wellbeing. But spending more time indoors doesn’t mean you have to sit still either. There are lots of ways to make sure you’re staying active. You can create a whole range of indoor activities using things you already have at home. Screen time can even help you get active. We’ve put together a list of handy tips for making sure everyone in your home is keeping active during this difficult time but really, there’s no end to the things you can get up to.
Worried about disturbing the neighbours?
Difficult times like this can bring communities together, and because you've been spending more time at home, you may be seeing more of your neighbours than you used to. And they may be hearing more from you!
If you’re worried about disturbing the people around you, it’s best to tackle it head on and talk to them. They can’t expect your children to be silent all the time, so try and reach a compromise so that you don’t disturb them at certain times of day, for example, when they’re trying to sleep or have important work calls.
Kids always fighting?
If they’re fighting with their brothers or sisters, check out our page on managing multiple children for some tips on keeping the peace. Our page on activities for multiple children also has ideas for ways to keep the busy!
Tips for older children
Getting older kids active may not be so easy if they’re determined to stay stuck to their screens! To motivate them, suggest activities that they’re likely to enjoy or be good at, and let them choose how and when they exercise, so they feel they’re in control of the situation. But these ideas aren’t just for the kids – adults can join in too!
Exercise tips for older children
Tip #1: Clear the mind with yoga
Tip #1: Clear the mind with yoga
Yoga is not only a great way of stretching out and getting fit, it’s good for the mind too. You don’t need any fancy equipment – just a space on the floor and some comfy clothes. There are loads of free classes available on YouTube and lots of different styles of yoga to try. Yoga instructor Adriene has a good video for teens – have a go as a family or let the kids find their own style.
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Tip #2: Make an action movie
Tip #2: Make an action movie
Got a phone? Then they can make a movie! And as the point of this is to get exercise, the more action the better! While James Bond-style stunts may not be the safest idea, how about making a training montage, Rocky style? Put on a hoodie, crank up the music and get them running up and down the stairs, having a go at press ups and sit ups and punching those cushions.
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Tip #3: Learn to juggle
Tip #3: Learn to juggle
Juggling is great for eye-hand co-ordination and is good exercise too – especially at the beginning, when you spend more time picking up balls from the floor than keeping them in the air! Check YouTube for free tutorials and have a go.
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Tip #4: Skip to get fit
Tip #4: Skip to get fit
If you have the space and a rope, skipping is a brilliant way for everyone to burn up energy. It’s not just for little kids in the playground – it’s a favourite exercise of boxers and many other athletes. Another move for the training montage, maybe?
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Tip #5: Learn some new dance moves
Tip #5: Learn some new dance moves
To get the kids off the sofa and onto their feet, how about getting them to try an online dance class? Y-Dance offers classes in jazz and fun and funky commercial dance, while budding Billy Elliots can check out these classes from Scottish Ballet.
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Can we take the kids to a play park?
Play parks can now reopen. Our page on sport, play and children's activities has tips on how to use play parks safely.